How We Clean Rugs for London Homes (and Why It Matters)

From pre-inspection to drying, our rug cleaning process is meticulous, safe, and tailored to your rug. Here's why that matters—especially in London homes.

Every Rug Has a Story. So Should Its Cleaning Process.

No two homes in London are alike—and neither are their rugs. From antique Kashans in Kensington to thick tribal Gabbehs in Hampstead, we’ve seen it all. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in our decades of experience, it’s this:

There’s no one-size-fits-all rug cleaning process.

That’s why we tailor every step of our work. Below, we’ll take you through how we clean rugs for London homes, and more importantly, why our approach matters for preserving your rug’s beauty, structure, and value.

It Starts with a Deep Respect for Craft

We treat every rug as a one-off piece of art—because it is. Whether it was woven on a loom in Tabriz or picked up on Portobello Road, a rug carries stories, heritage, and craftsmanship that deserve expert care.

That’s why we begin every job with a thorough pre-inspection. We don’t just glance at your rug and guess. We:

Identify fibre type (wool, silk, cotton, goat hair, or blends)
Assess knot density and weave structure
Check for fugitive dyes and test for colourfastness
Inspect for pre-existing damage, wear, moth activity, or urine contamination

This allows us to build a bespoke cleaning plan tailored to your rug’s construction and needs.

Why London Homes Pose a Unique Challenge

Urban living creates particular stresses for rugs. We see it every day:

High foot traffic on hallway and living room rugs
Urban dust and soot building up deep in the pile
Moth infestations in low-light, less-frequented rooms
Pet accidents and stains from everyday life

So when we clean a rug from a London home, we don’t just aim to remove surface dirt. We’re tackling deep-seated soil, potential allergens, and hidden wear points—all while protecting the rug’s integrity.

Step-by-Step: How We Clean Your Rug

1. Dry Soil Removal

This is arguably the most important step. Before any washing happens, we remove the dry particulate soil trapped in the rug’s foundation. Left unchecked, this acts like sandpaper, wearing down the fibres with every step you take.

We use mechanical dusting, compressed air, or hand brushing depending on the rug’s fragility. Most clients are shocked by how much dust we remove—even from rugs that looked “clean.”

2. Immersion Wash (or Safe Alternative)

When safe to do so, we carry out a full immersion wash using cold softened water and mild Woolsafe®-approved shampoos. This allows contaminants to be thoroughly rinsed from the pile.

Delicate pieces (like silk Kashans or antique flatweaves) may instead be hand-washed on a table using soft brushes, with minimal moisture to avoid fibre distortion.

3. Rinse & Centrifuge

Using high-pressure cold water, we rinse out all emulsified dirt. Then we transfer the rug to a centrifuge, which spins out excess water. This speeds up drying, prevents dye bleed, and keeps the rug fibres soft.

4. Controlled Drying

Every rug is hung to dry in our climate-controlled drying room. Here, temperature and humidity are monitored to ensure fast, even drying with no risk of shrinkage, browning, or mildew.

The Final Step: Delivery & Advice

Before we return your rug, we carry out a final inspection. We check for any stubborn marks, correct the pile direction, and ensure the rug is as clean, soft, and vibrant as possible.

You’ll also receive tailored care advice—including how to vacuum it properly, when to rotate it, and if protector or moth treatments would help in your home.

Why It Matters

Too many cleaning companies treat rugs like wall-to-wall carpets. Harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, and neglect of fibre safety cause irreversible damage.

We’ve seen silk rugs left stiff as cardboard. Hand-knotted Persian carpets with dye bleed from an overzealous steam clean. And clients heartbroken that something irreplaceable is now ruined.

That’s why we exist.

We’re here to restore—not just clean. To respect your rug, honour its craftsmanship, and keep it part of your home for years (or generations) to come.